Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Overview

A method to analyze the environmental impacts of a product or service throughout its entire lifecycle, from raw material extraction to disposal.

The initial step in LCA, where the study's purpose and boundaries are defined, encompassing what inputs and outputs will be considered.

The step in LCA that compiles a detailed record of all inputs and outputs of a product or service's life cycle, including raw materials, energy, emissions, and waste.

The process of evaluating the environmental effects of the inputs and outputs identified in the inventory analysis, quantifying potential harm, and considering health impacts and resource depletion.

The sequential steps involved in LCA for carefully identifying and assessing negative environmental effects. This includes defining goals, recording inventory, and evaluating impact.

A phase in an environmental assessment where needs and opportunities to reduce adverse effects are identified. It utilizes insights from impact and inventory analysis to describe improvements both qualitatively and quantitatively.

This phase systematically collects data on all inputs and outputs of a product or process throughout its entire lifecycle, including raw materials, energy, emissions, and waste.

Evaluates the environmental effects of the inputs and outputs identified in the inventory analysis, quantifying potential harm, and considering health impacts and resource depletion.

Fuels that are not traditional petroleum-based fuels, such as electricity, biofuels, hydrogen, or natural gas. They are considered for cleaner transportation to reduce environmental impact.

A comprehensive assessment of the environmental impacts of a product or service throughout its entire lifecycle, from raw material extraction to disposal.

Vehicles designed and engineered to minimize their environmental impact by using alternative fuel sources and technologies.

Practices aimed at minimizing the consumption of natural resources and maximizing the reuse and recycling of materials to reduce landfill waste and environmental damage.

Improvements that can be assessed in terms of both their intangible benefits (e.g., reduced pollution) and quantifiable results (e.g., decreased energy consumption).

A comprehensive environmental assessment method that quantifies different impact categories, such as human toxicity, global warming, and resource depletion.

An impact assessment framework that combines various environmental effects into one single score to simplify comparisons.

A process to estimate and quantify the range of possible values for an impact assessment, acknowledging the inherent uncertainties in data and assumptions.

A metric measuring the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions associated with a product or service throughout its lifecycle.

A simplified approach to comparing the environmental performance of different options using a single metric like the Eco-indicator 99 score.

A facility that produces electricity and other forms of energy, typically heat, simultaneously.

Comparing the environmental impacts of two or more similar products or services throughout their lifecycles.